Cell signalling is part of a complex system of communication that governs basic cellular activities and coordinates the actions of cells. Although cell signalling research has traditionally focused on the study of linear signalling cascades, it has become increasingly clear that there is considerable crosstalk between individual signalling pathways. This is not surprising, given that cells must simultaneously integrate multiple signals to regulate a complex set of cellular processes. To this end, there has been an important shift towards the study of signalling networks, which enables researchers to determine the effects of a single cellular change on a multitude of key signalling pathways. Increasing our knowledge of how signals are integrated into cellular networks is crucial to our understanding of normal cell behaviour and disease mechanisms. Furthermore, given that targeting a specific protein with any drug will have implications for the signalling network as a whole, understanding signal integration will provide valuable information towards the design of more effective therapeutics.

Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology and Nature Structural & Molecular Biology have teamed up to present an in-depth joint Focus on Signal Integration, with specially commissioned Reviews in each journal. These articles consider some of the key approaches used to study signalling networks, and discuss how various signals are integrated in different cellular contexts. The NPG library contains other relevant articles, including Reviews, on the broad topic of signal integration.